Nocturn Keyboard Troubleshooting Guide

Applies to: Nocturn keyboard

I have already registered my Nocturn Keyboard, but I haven't received the free software bundle..

You can obtain your license codes for the free bundled software by logging into your Novation account, selecting Nocturn Keyboard and then selecting "Update Product" without making any changes. This will trigger an email to be sent to your registered email address with your license codes.

How do I reset the system settings on my Nocturn Keyboard?

To reset the system settings on your Nocturn Keyboard, including the calibration of the Drum Pads and the operating system, make sure you have the latest version of the Automap Software from the Novation website.

Then follow these steps:

1/. Click on the Home icon at the bottom of the Automap window to get to the Startup View page.

2/. Select the 'Devices' option.

3/. Select the Nocturn Keyboard.

4/. Select the 'Update System Settings' option.

5/. Follows the instructions on the screen to complete the update.

How do I calibrate the Nocturn Keyboard?

Nocturn Keyboard Calibration Initial Setup

Install Automap 3.4 to put the Nocturn Keyboard drivers on the test PC. This installs the drivers for the Nocturn Keyboard.

Connecting a programmed unit and selecting calibration mode

Connect a programmed unit loaded with the current build level software (eg nckb1116) via to a computer. While holding octave â€˜-â€˜ and â€˜+â€™ buttons down together,turn the Nocturn Keyboard on. Keep these two buttons pressed down until buttons 1 to 4 and button 8 is lit. The octave â€˜-â€˜ and â€˜+â€™ buttons will be flashing.

This indicates that the keyboard is in calibration mode.

There are 4 features to calibrate â€“ the pitch wheel, the mod wheel, the aftertouch sensitivity and the keyboard length.

Once the calibration has been setup, this needs to be saved to the unit (this is not automatic).

Pitch Wheel Calibration

While watching the first encoder ring move the pitch wheel through itâ€™s full range of travel once. This calibrates the unit. The calibration can then be checked by moving the pitch wheel through a full range of travel a second time.

At position 1 (pitch wheel minimum), only the first LED of LED ring 1 should be lit. At position 2 (pitch wheel maximum), all 11 LEDs for LED ring 1 should be lit.

At position 3 (pitch wheel spring back to centre), the first 6 LEDs of LED ring 1 should be lit.

Mod Wheel Calibration

While watching the second encoder ring move the mod wheel through itâ€™s full range of travel once. This calibrates the unit. The calibration can then be checked by moving the mod wheel through a full range of travel a second time.

At position 1 (mod wheel maximum), all 11 LEDs for LED ring 1 should be lit.

At position 2 (pitch wheel minimum), only the first LED of LED ring 1 should be lit.

There is no spring for the mod wheel, so the centre position is not critical and does not need to be checked.

Aftertouch Calibration

The LEDs around encoder 3 register the aftertouch output. The 4th encoder is used to calibrate this output and the LED ring around encoder 4 shows the calibration value.

Press firmly and keep holding a key on the keymech (of the order of 30 N to 40). Turn encoder 4 anticlockwise until less then 11 LEDs are lit around encoder 3. Now slowly turn encoder 3 clockwise until all 11 LEDs are lit around encoder 3. Check 2 or 3 other keys can be pressed firmly and all 11 LEDs are lit around encoder 3. If not, turn encoder 4 clockwise slowly again until all 11 LEDs are lit for this key.

Keyboard Length Calibration

Press both the top key and the bottom key simultaneously and release both keys.

Save Calibration Settings

The calibration settings are not automatically saved. These must be saved to the manually saved to the unit In order for these settings to be retained on the unit, press button 8 on the unit.

The unit will then reboot.

How do I use the Nocturn Keyboard with Ableton Live?

Please follow the steps in this Tutorial to control Live 8 with the Nocturn and Nocturn Keyboard and Automap.